Cynthia Erivo gets her MBE, Burna Boy breaks touring records, and Olaolu Slawn comes home. Plus, Maison Kébé takes Senegalese craft global, Ama Qamata steps into her purpose, and a new wave of African photographers shape the visual now.
A letter to the Marmalade Community from our Founder's desk ✍️
This is our last newsletter of the year. It’s a thank you for reading, staying, and being a part of Marmalade Collective. Before 2025 closes, here’s one last note from us, honest and unfiltered.
Odeal signs a global deal, Omoyemi Akerele turns Lagos into a runway, and Dave announces a 2026 world tour. Plus, Dakar Fashion Week goes floating, Laduma Ngxokolo reweaves South Africa’s story, Rungano Nyoni scores a Spirit Award nod, and East African creatives redefine culture.
Yagazie Emezi follows her Chi into fine art, Yinka Ilori earns a royal design nod, and Ibrahim Mahama tops ArtReview’s Power 100. Plus, Pearl Thusi steps into her music era, Young Jonn takes a star turn, and Emily Chepkor starts a running revolution in Nairobi.
David Oyelowo reimagines Othello, Wizkid’s Lagos-to-global story hits HBO, and Ryan Coogler brings Mansa Musa to film. Plus, Tems drops a surprise EP, Bonang Matheba builds African luxury, and Masonwabe Ntloko reshapes the new African cool.
Rich Mnisi marks a decade of boundary-pushing fashion, Tia Adeola celebrates Lagos through style, and Show Dem Camp spotlights African art. Plus, Asake plots a debut in South Africa, Tyla kicks off her first-ever tour, and Accra rises as the new conscious fashion capital.
Trevor Noah celebrates a fresh Grammy nod, Njerae reshapes East African R&B, and Soweto Fashion Week returns in full colour. Plus, Champz makes history on the charts, Banke Kuku blends art and fashion, and Africa’s top destinations set the tone for 2026.
Uzo Njoku reinvents Ankara with an Owambe twist, while African designers make Paris their runway. Plus, Burna Boy backs a bold Pan-African thriller, Amoako Boafo builds a tennis court, Amaarae steps into her spotlight, and Anok Yai claims her crown.
Ciara makes stunning LFW debut, Aya Nakamura reclaims her crown, and Tyla shines in Chanel. Plus, Banke Kuku celebrates Africa’s spirit, Kudi Maradzika reshapes African storytelling, and Adidas Originals spotlights Nigeria’s new wave of creativity.
Black Coffee brings the heat home with two major Durban shows, and Patoranking revives Galala with his latest single. Plus, Lagos Fashion Week earns a global nod for sustainability, “One Woman One Bra” wins big at BFI London, and Gift Lubele makes history with SA’s first AI Amapiano album.
Nyashinski steps into a new era with a brand new album, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie picks up a Mermaid Award. Plus, Anthony Azekwoh builds his own cinematic world, Sungi Mlengeya redefines Black womanhood, and Dada Gallery sets its sights on Lagos.
From spotlighting the creatives shaping mainstream culture to uncovering the stories you couldn’t scroll past, this issue is a celebration of you, our community, and everything that made our years with you unforgettable.
Dave teases his third album, LABRUM brings culture to John Lewis, and African series score Emmy nods. Plus, Shattta Wale scores a Grammy green light, Yinka Ilori brings his flair to Wyclef Jean’s latest single, and Rema lands on TIME’s 100 Emerging Leaders list.
Liz Sanya and Slawn join forces to inspire dreamers, Ugo Mozie reimagines fashion in New York, and Ama Qamata shines as L’Oréal’s new star. Plus, Sarz lines up Afrobeats royalty, Irenosen Okojie earns RSL honors, Lauryn & Wyclef stun in Thebe Magugu, and Dembélé takes the Ballon d’Or.
Featuring Lofty Spot & Elfreda Dali’s Second Spring
Odeal signs a global deal, Omoyemi Akerele turns Lagos into a runway, and Dave announces a 2026 world tour. Plus, Dakar Fashion Week goes floating, Laduma Ngxokolo reweaves South Africa’s story, Rungano Nyoni scores a Spirit Award nod, and East African creatives redefine culture.
She revisits her work alongside 24 international artists, creating a space where memory, narrative, and the archive meet across borders.
We've spent the year spotting, loving, and curating the best products from our favourite Afrocentric brands. This guide brings them all together; thoughtful picks for everyone on your list, from the practical to the indulgent.
Yagazie Emezi follows her Chi into fine art, Yinka Ilori earns a royal design nod, and Ibrahim Mahama tops ArtReview’s Power 100. Plus, Pearl Thusi steps into her music era, Young Jonn takes a star turn, and Emily Chepkor starts a running revolution in Nairobi.
David Oyelowo reimagines Othello, Wizkid’s Lagos-to-global story hits HBO, and Ryan Coogler brings Mansa Musa to film. Plus, Tems drops a surprise EP, Bonang Matheba builds African luxury, and Masonwabe Ntloko reshapes the new African cool.
